Laocoon

Jean de Gourmont I

Associated Names
Jean de Gourmont I

Artist, French, active 1506/1551

The image shows a classical scene from an elevated viewpoint. The horizon is visible in the upper third, depicting distant architectural structures resembling an ancient cityscape. The detailed linework suggests an engraving technique, with textures and shading. The color scheme is monochromatic, using sepia and black. In the foreground, three figures battle serpentine creatures. To the right, a burning altar or brazier is below a colonnade with a statue. Beyond, grand architecture with columned structures and arched ruins can be seen, extending towards the skyline where additional towers and buildings stand. The image blends architectural grandeur with mythological drama.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Accession Number

    1973.54.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Robert-Dumesnil, Vol. VII, p.26, no. 20, State (as Master of the Monogram JG)


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1983

  • Graphic Survey Show, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., July 1983.

2018

  • Sharing Images: Renaissance Prints into Maiolica and Bronze, cat. by Jamie Gabbarelli, NGA, 2018, no.

Bibliography

1967

  • Robert-Dumesnil, A.P.F. Le peintre-graveur francais, ou catalogue raisonne des estampes gravees par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'ecole francaise, ouvrage faisant suite au peintre-graveur de M. Bartsch. Reprint (11 vols. in 6). Paris: F. deNobe

2019

  • Stoenescu, Livia. The Pictorial Art of El Greco: Transmaterialities, Temporalities, and Media. Amsterdam, 2019: 271-272, color fig. 107.

Wikidata ID

Q65571817

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